Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, a purely male organ.
Bacterial prostatitis differs from other forms in that it develops as a result of exposure to microorganisms (bacteria). Bacterial prostatitis can be acute or chronic.
The prevalence of bacterial prostatitis among all prostatitis:
- acute prostatitis - 5-10%;
- chronic prostatitis - 6-10%.
Causes of Bacterial Prostatitis
Most often, this pathology is caused by such microorganisms:
- intestinal and Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
- enterococcus and Staphylococcus aureus;
- Proteus;
- klebsiela;
- enterobacter;
- seration.
Most of these microorganisms are part of the normal microflora of the body. If the protective properties of the body are reduced, then these bacteria can cause prostatitis.
Other microorganisms that cause bacterial prostatitis include fungi, chlamydia, trichomonas, and ureaplasmas.
Factors contributing to the development of prostatitis:
- hypothermia;
- irregular sex life, abstinence from sex;
- decreased immunity;
- hormonal diseases, accompanied by a lack of male sex hormones in the body;
- circulatory disorders (blood stasis) in the pelvic organs;
- sexually transmitted diseases.
The development of chronic bacterial prostatitis is also facilitated by:
- systematic untimely emptying of the bladder;
- bad habits (alcohol abuse, smoking);
- concomitant diseases of the urinary system (for example, pyelonephritis);
- sedentary lifestyle.
Symptoms of bacterial prostatitis
Acute prostatitis is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- general intoxication (weakness, chills, fever);
- pain in the groin and perineum;
- frequent and painful urination, especially at night;
- urination may be difficult, in rare cases, acute urinary retention may develop;
- sometimes purulent whitish or colorless discharge appears from the urethra.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis is asymptomatic or with an erased clinical picture during remission. When the disease worsens, then its symptoms are similar to those of acute bacterial prostatitis. In chronic bacterial prostatitis, erectile dysfunction can develop.
Diagnosis of bacterial prostatitis
The diagnosis of acute bacterial prostatitis is made in the presence of the following:
- characteristic complaints described above;
- during a digital rectal examination, the prostate gland is edematous and painful;
- in the general blood test, an increase in the number of leukocytes and an acceleration of ESR are observed;
- in the general analysis of urine, a large number of leukocytes can be detected;
- also confirm the diagnosis data of ultrasound of the prostate.
In chronic bacterial prostatitis, there are usually no complaints during the period of remission.
To confirm chronic bacterial prostatitis, the presence of bacteria and white blood cells in the tissues of the prostate gland is determined. For this, a smear is made from the secretion of the prostate gland, which is then studied under a microscope. With bacterial prostatitis, an increased number of leukocytes will be observed in the smear.
Urine or prostatic secretion is also sown on a nutrient medium to determine the growth and sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics.
Another method for determining chronic prostatitis is to determine the titer of prostate specific antigen (PSA).
Complications of bacterial prostatitis
The most common complication of acute bacterial prostatitis is the transition to a chronic form. This is facilitated by the late start of treatment, interruption of the course of treatment, irregular intake of drugs.
Also, bacterial prostatitis can be complicated by an abscess of the prostate or the appearance of a fistula.
Prevention of bacterial prostatitis
In chronic bacterial prostatitis, the main task is to prevent an exacerbation of the disease or reduce the number of relapses. This can be achieved by adhering to the following principles:
- Bladder overflow should be avoided.
- Dress for the weather so you don't get cold.
- Sexual life should be regular, while both long abstinence and excessive sexual activity are harmful. Protracted or interrupted sexual intercourse can also exacerbate chronic prostatitis.
- In case of casual sexual intercourse, it is necessary to protect yourself so as not to become infected with sexually transmitted diseases.
- Refuse to abuse alcohol and spicy food.
- Do not wear tight clothing (especially underwear).
Treatment of bacterial prostatitis
The main drugs used in the treatment of bacterial prostatitis are broad-spectrum antibiotics. The duration of taking antibiotics is 2-8 weeks, depending on the clinical picture of the disease, the presence of concomitant diseases.
In chronic bacterial prostatitis, anti-inflammatory drugs are also prescribed.
For a speedy recovery, as well as to enhance the therapeutic effect in chronic prostatitis, prostate massage is prescribed. This procedure helps to cleanse hard-to-reach areas of the prostate from microorganisms. But it is in these areas that bacteria stagnate and multiply, leading to the development of chronic bacterial prostatitis.